Perhaps not a lot of people familiar with the term ‘medium-format’ in the world of photography.

Historically, this term refers to the 120 film size that was used by some camera systems (e.g., Hasselblad) as opposed to traditional 35mm film cameras that we used to shoot with back in the analog era. Today, in digital photography, medium-format refers to any digital camera that has a sensor size that’s bigger than the 35mm full-frame sensor (e.g., Canon 5D Mark IV / Sony A7R III / Nikon D850).

I first heard this term about 9 years ago when I took a crash-course in photography and was awed by the system and the results (I used to shoot back then with an APS-C sensor of the Canon 7D). Because of various reasons, medium-format systems were (and still are in fact) extremely expensive and most of enthusiast, and even professional, photographers are unable to purchase them. So, for me, it was like a far dream.

And then, several months ago, I surfed the web and came across this weird item - a medium-format mirrorless system by FUJIFILM that was around 6,000$ (roughly 24,000 NIS) which was, for the first time, attainable (compared to other medium-format systems). Not long after that, FUJIFILM released another medium-format camera, only this time it was even cheaper (around 4,500$).

FUJIFILM GFX 50R. A medium-format system with the FUJINON GF110mmF2 R LM WR lens.

At that point, I knew that I can make some adjustment and sell my current photo gear and get, for the first time for me, a medium-format system. And so I did.

I got my FUJIFILM GFX 50R medium-format camera that has a 43.8mm x 32.9mm sensor (1.7 times larger than a full-frame sensor) with 51.4 megapixels.

The FUJIFILM GFX 50R is a mirrorless system, so it benefits from some technological advantages compared to DSLRs (such as active Live-View and eye-tracking auto-focus).

For me, it’s a game changer. I’m really excited with this system and can’t wait to start shooting awesome landscapes and portraits.

Don’t forget to dream big ;)

So, a few days ago I got the amazing FUJIFILM GFX 50S medium-format camera system for a little test. I think it’s been 9 years since I’ve first heard the term medium-format and for me it was like science-fiction.
For those who are less familiar with this type, it’s what you would call a camera system which sensor is larger than 35 mm (Full-Frame). The advantages of having a lager sensor are having a broader dynamic-range, larger amount of details and larger image dimensions in pixels.

The FUJIFILM GFX 50S with the GF63mmF2.8 R WR lens

About two years ago FUJIFILM launched the GFX 50S which is their first digital medium-format system and about several months, they launched it’s sibling, the GFX 50R, which has a more of a range-finder style to it.
From my short experience with the 50S, it’s amazing. It’s the first time ever with a medium-format camera and I was not disappointed. The 50 plus megapixels sensor does the job. So, when shooting the lovely Michal Barzovsky, I was able to pull every freckle she had with astonishing details.

The amazing Michal Barzovsky with her freckles.

It’s not for everyone though. The extremely high price-tag makes these cameras less appeal to general photographers, but rather high professional would appreciate.